Commonplaces

SYD and the disabled ‐ Do you remember the International Year of Disabled People? I know we have had Information Technology Year since then and are now in Beautiful Britain Year (which we shall be able to appreciate as soon as the weather lets us), but the good work started during IYDP in 1981 didn't end there. I was reminded of this recently when I received a copy of a remarkable document called the SYD squad report published by Nottinghamshire County Council's Leisure Services. SYD squads (SYD means Survey for the Year of the Disabled) were composed of equal numbers of physically handicapped and able‐bodied young people, engaged under the government backed Youth Training Opportunities Programme, to take a long hard look at everything that affects the lives of disabled people in Nottinghamshire, from personal relationships and access to buildings to leisure, education, employment and welfare. Using questionnaires, disabled ‘guinea‐pigs’ and incognito researchers, the youngsters set out to survey the current ‘state of play’ for the disabled. Their report takes opinion and fact to paint a complete picture of disabled living and prospects for improvement in Nottinghamshire—though its findings are likely to have a much wider impact. Libraries on the whole come out well, though there were difficulties with heavy doors, high counters and use of card catalogues. The height of bookshelves was also mentioned but it was recognised that there was no easy solution to this problem. The report, which is excellently produced and illustrated with photographs and cartoons, is a mine of sensible and practical information that should be of benefit to all whose services are used by the disabled. Copies cost £5.50 from Nottinghamshire County Council, Leisure Services Department, Trent Bridge House, Fox Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 6BJ.